Saturday, 14 June 2014

Summer Series Part 1: Recognising and Treating Heatstroke

Summer seems to be well and truly here, and while we all enjoy the warm weather and sunshine, please spare a thought for us doglets. Unlike you sweaty Hoomans, us dogs keep cool by panting and only sweating a little through our paw pads. No wonder that if we get too hot, we can be at danger of heatstroke.

So it is important to know the signs of heatstroke in your furry friend.

Immerse the dog in TEPID water, cooling gradually, using a shower or jug. Then douse the dog in COOL water, particularly the head and neck (do not use ice-cold water) or cover your dog with wet sheets. If you have a fan, that can further help cooling.

Allow the dog to drink as much water as he wants in small quantities at a time. A pinch of salt in the water can also aid rehydration.

Continue to douse the dog in cool water until his breathing starts to settle

Seek veterinary attention as soon as is safe to do so

WARNING: Do not throw cold water over your dog! The shock could be too much for the dogs heart,

If a dog's temperature is not reduced immediately, heat-stroke can be fatal.

So I hope all you lovely owners have found this useful. Next in the Summer Series will be tips and ideas on keeping your dog cool!

Great post! My little long coat chihuahua has a gorgeous furry bed but I think she was finding it a little too warm to lie in during the hot weather so I slipped a cotton pillow case over the furry inner cushion to make it cooler for her! So easy to take off and wash too if it become dirty!